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Notes -
Current fast food prices would be a great opportunity for the prepared food industry and convenience stores to swoop in and replicate the east asian model of selling relatively high quality food for cheap. I don't know if that has changed in the US but in Canada convenience food/gas station food is still dire, but when I check out videos of the stuff you get in convenience stores in Japan and Korea, I get jealous. Cold, hot or microwavable meals that seem to compare favorably with most prepared meals from supermarkets here, and cost little because there's little need for staff except the one cashier. It would easily replace the "I don't care, I just want something convenient and decent tasting" instances of fast food eating.
Truck stops often have mini supermarkets with microwaveable meals at halfway reasonable rates, plus some combination of hot pizzas, pizza rolls, burritos, hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, fresh cookies, etc.
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I've heard good things about gas station food in the American South.
When I was in Minnesota, the best fried chicken was from the gas stations, it was actually better, cheaper, and in more convenient locations than established chains like KFC. Actually, we did largely buy trip food from gas stations there, both fried chicken, and things like burgers and breakfast sandwiches.
In the Southwest, there are gas stations serving Mexican and Pueblo food as well, I have bought some excellent breakfast burritos at a casino gas station. I don't end up buying it as much lately, probably related to the location of the good ones, and the age of my children -- they're of an age to know what a Happy Meal is, know what the Disney toy they're currently selling is, and be genuinely excited about that. They were genuinely excited about a six piece double sided puzzle in a happy meal the other day, and that it came in a metal box.
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